Arsenal blow as key midfielder reveals shock plans to play in Spain

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has fuelled speculation that he could be on his way to Barcelona this summer after saying he would “love” to play in la Liga.

Ramsey had a mixed season at Emirates Stadium even though he has remained a first choice player in Arsene Wenger’s team.

The Wales international has spoken in the past of his desire to play at the highest level in Spain.

“Barcelona play football very well and at Arsenal we want to do the same, I’ve said it before that I would love to play in La Liga one day, at one of the big clubs,” Ramsey said, as quoted by the Evening Standard.

The Welshman scored just six times in 40 appearances last season as Arsenal finished 10 points off top-spot in the league.

Ramsey is yet to hit the heights of the early part of the 2013/14 season in which he scored 13 goals in his first 21 games and after another injury plagued season for the Gunners, a move to Barcelona would certainly raise eyebrows.

A deal could be on the cards but with the Welsh internationals contact set to end in 2018, Arsenal could demand up to £25m before allowing any deal to be done.

The recent acquisition of £35m Granit Xhaka could leave the exit door open for Ramsey though as competition for places in the Arsenal starting XI increases.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future, it seems he has earnt the faith of manager Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman handed Ramsey the number 8 shirt; following the retirement of Mikel Arteta at the end of this season.